Dangerous Goods Shipping – Restrictions & Guidelines
Shipping certain automotive products is subject to international dangerous goods (DG) regulations. Some items cannot be shipped by air freight, EMS, DHL, or FedEx due to safety and customs laws. Please review the list below before ordering.
⚠️ What Is Considered a Dangerous Good?
Under IATA (air freight regulations) and UN classifications, the following parts are considered hazardous and restricted for air shipment:
| Category | Examples | Shipping Method |
|---|---|---|
| Liquids | Engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, DEF | ❌ Air / EMS ✅ Sea freight / local pickup |
| Pressurized Items | Gas shocks, aerosol sprays, refrigerants (R134a) | ❌ EMS / DHL ✅ Freight by vessel |
| Airbags / SRS modules | Any airbag components | ❌ All courier services ✅ Only sea freight as industrial cargo |
| Batteries | Lead-acid, lithium-ion, hybrid battery modules | ❌ FedEx / EMS ✅ Container shipping |
| Chemicals & Adhesives | Paint, gasket sealants, solvents, cleaning sprays | ❌ EMS / Air ✅ Sea or K-Pickup only |
✈ Air Shipping Restrictions (EMS / DHL / FedEx)
Most Korean courier services follow IATA 2025 Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). According to:
-
EMS Korea (우체국 EMS):
“Batteries, liquids, magnets, airbags and chemicals are strictly prohibited in EMS international parcels.”
-
DHL Korea:
“We cannot accept any items classified under Class 1 (explosives), Class 2 (gases), Class 3 (flammable liquids), or Class 9 (miscellaneous hazardous substances) for private international export without DG license and IATA packaging.”
-
FedEx Korea:
“Auto parts containing lithium, oils, or pressure systems must be declared and packed according to IATA DG rules. Unauthorized shipments will be rejected.”
🚢 Available Shipping Options for Dangerous Goods
| Method | Delivery Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight | 15–45 days | Palletized cargo, DG declared |
| Local Pickup | Same day | At our Seoul warehouse |
| Courier (Partial) | 3–7 days (EMS/DHL) | Only if order does NOT contain DG items |
📦 How to Know if Your Part is Restricted?
Before checkout, please contact us to confirm availability and shipping eligibility:
📧 Email: sale@avto-korea.com
📱 WhatsApp: +821065651881
📝 Or fill out our stock check form
❗ If your order contains dangerous goods, we will automatically separate the available items and send only those by air. Hazardous parts will be held or quoted separately for freight shipping.
🛡 Legal Notice
We follow all international regulations under:
-
IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2025
-
Korean Customs Export Laws
-
UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
Shipping violations may result in customs seizure or fines. Avto-Korea is not responsible for undeclared DG items not disclosed by the customer.
📘 FAQ
Q: Can you ship engine oil by EMS?
A: No. All oils and fluids are classified as dangerous goods. We offer sea freight or local pickup only.
Q: Can I ship airbags to Russia or Chile?
A: Airbags are explosive components and cannot be sent by air. Only freight shipping is possible.
Q: Do you separate my order if it contains dangerous goods?
A: Yes. We ship available parts by air and hold the rest for DG processing.
⚠️ Dangerous Goods – Automotive Parts List (for International Shipping)
🔋 1. Batteries
| Category | Examples | UN Code | Hazard Class | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium-ion Batteries | Hybrid vehicle batteries, smart key batteries | UN3480 / UN3481 | Class 9 | ❌ Cannot ship by air, EMS, DHL, FedEx ✅ Only sea freight or local pickup |
| Lead-acid Batteries | Standard car starter batteries | UN2794 / UN2800 | Class 8 | ❌ Not allowed via air or courier ✅ Sea freight only |
💧 2. Automotive Fluids (Liquids)
| Category | Examples | UN Code | Hazard Class | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | All types of motor oil | Varies (e.g., UN1202) | Class 3 (flammable) | ❌ Cannot ship by EMS/DHL/air ✅ Sea freight only |
| Brake Fluid | DOT-3, DOT-4 brake fluids | Often Class 3 or Class 8 | Class 3 / 8 | ❌ No air shipping ✅ Sea only |
| Coolant / Antifreeze | Radiator antifreeze or long-life coolant | Often flammable/corrosive | Class 3 / 8 | ❌ Air prohibited ✅ Sea permitted |
| Transmission Fluid | ATF or CVT fluids | Varies | Class 3 | ❌ Not air-eligible ✅ Sea only |
| DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) | AdBlue and similar urea-based fluids | Sometimes limited | — | ❌ Often refused by EMS ✅ Sea freight only |
🧨 3. Airbags / SRS Components
| Category | Examples | UN Code | Hazard Class | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | Driver/passenger airbags, curtain airbags | UN3268 | Class 1.4S (Explosive) | ❌ Prohibited in all air shipments ✅ Only allowed via sea cargo |
| Seatbelt Pretensioners | With pyrotechnic charge | UN0503 or similar | Class 1.4 | ❌ Forbidden by air/EMS ✅ Sea shipment allowed |
| Steering Wheels with Airbags | Complete steering units with SRS modules | UN3268 | Class 1.4S | ❌ Air banned ✅ Sea freight only |
🧯 4. Pressurized Components
| Category | Examples | UN Code | Hazard Class | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas-Charged Shock Absorbers | Struts, dampers with internal gas | UN3164 | Class 2.2 | ❌ No EMS/DHL/FedEx ✅ Allowed by sea freight |
| Refrigerant Canisters | R134a, R1234yf AC refrigerants | UN3159 / UN3161 | Class 2.2 | ❌ Strictly forbidden in air shipping ✅ Freight permitted under DG regulations |
| Fire Extinguishers | Vehicle-mounted extinguishers | UN1044 | Class 2.2 | ❌ No air freight ✅ OK for sea freight with declaration |
🧪 5. Aerosols, Chemicals, and Adhesives
| Category | Examples | UN Code | Hazard Class | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Cleaner Spray | Aerosol degreasers, cleaners | UN1950 | Class 2.1 (flammable gas) | ❌ Prohibited by air ✅ Freight allowed under DG packaging |
| Tire Inflator | Aerosol sealant inflators | UN1950 | Class 2.1 | ❌ Not air-eligible ✅ Sea only |
| Paint / Primer | Touch-up spray, liquid base coats | UN1263 | Class 3 (flammable) | ❌ EMS/DHL restriction ✅ Sea only |
| Gasket Sealants | RTV silicone, liquid gaskets | UN1133 / UN1993 | Class 3 | ❌ No EMS/air ✅ Sea shipment allowed |
| Adhesives & Solvents | Automotive glues, bonding agents | Varies | Class 3 / 4.1 | ❌ No air delivery ✅ Only by vessel |
🧲 6. Electronic & Magnetic Items
| Category | Examples | UN Code | Hazard Class | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Power Relays / Ignition Coils | May emit magnetic fields | — | Possible Class 9 | ⚠ May be restricted if strong magnets present |
| Alternators / Starters | Electric motors | — | Depends | ⚠ Some courier limitations for high EMF |
| Electric Compressors | AC compressors with internal oil/gas | — | May fall under Class 2.2 / 3 | ❌ EMS/DHL refusal likely ✅ Freight OK with packing compliance |
🛠 7. Used or Contaminated Parts
| Category | Examples | UN Code | Hazard Class | Shipping Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Pumps | Used or containing residue | — | May be DG if fuel present | ❌ EMS/DHL usually refuse ✅ Only sea allowed |
| Oil-Contaminated Parts | Any part with visible oil or fluid | — | Class 3 possible | ❌ Not allowed in air freight |
| Used Parts | From vehicles, not cleaned | — | — | ❌ Not eligible for export without cleaning certification |